Team Elite JUDO Gabriel Vieira E Mendes Elite Sports

Biography

Gabriel Mendes, 24 years old, born in Maceio - AL / Brazil, currently living in San Diego - CA, Judo black belt. He started training judo with 4 years old. He is multiple state champion multiple medals on national and international tournaments. His best result is his bronze medal at Worlds Jr. Judo Championship. He won the US Open 2017 and US Nationals 2016 and 2017. The Olympic Games is his dream!

Video

Q&A Session Between Gabriel Vieira E Mendes and Elite Sports


Question: What inspires you about Judo?

Answer: I'm thinking judo is more than sport, it's a way of life, you can learn respect, discipline, dedication. But I think the Olympic Games is what's inspires me, all athletes working really hard to be there, and I wanna be there.

Question: Any major accomplishments you’ve been able to achieve in that time?

Answer: I won the USA Nationals and US Open, that's were my best results this year

Question: How long have you been training?

Answer: Since my 4 years old, but I start training hard with 11 years old.

Question: What are your goals for this year? Next 3 years? Next 5 years?

Answer: I did almost all my goal for this year, I won the Nationals and US Open, now my objective is the Dallas Open and Presidents Cup booth at Texas! For the Next 3 years I want to compete more outside the USA, on Europe and Asia. On 5 years I want to be at Olympic Team!

Question: How often do you train?

Answer: Monday - Saturday, 2 or 3 times a day, Judo, Jiu-jitsu and strong-condition training

Question: Who inspires you, past or present? Why do they inspire you?

Answer: My Dad inspired me, he was a boxer and great guy, he is pushing me to my best in judo and life!

Question: What would be your dream fight?

Answer: Fight in Olympics and representing my country

Question: To whom you would like to compliment for your success?

Answer: My Dad, who really pushes me.

Question: What sort of gear do you usually keep in your gym bag before hitting the gym? Do you have different items for specific days?

Answer: Normally is my ELITE Judo and jiu-jitsu Gis, my pre-work out, my whey protein and BCAA. When I go to gym I have my shoes, towel and extra clothes for after training!

Question: Do you have a go-to finishing move?

Answer: My favorite technique is Ippon Seio-Nage, and underground game I like the clock choke

Question: What do you think it takes to be a champion in your sports?

Answer: Dedication and have strong mind for tournaments. Sure, the talent helps you, but talent without dedication is nothing, and have everything ready for the tournament, but your mind is not good, you are in trouble

Accomplishments:


* 1st Place - Brazilian Championship
* 3x South American Champion
* 2x American Nationals Champion
* 1st Place - US Open Judo Championship
* 1st Place - France International Juniors Cup
* 3rd Place - World Junior Championship
* 3rd Place - International Juniors Lignano Cup
* 3rd Place - Pan American Championship
* 2rd Place - International Juniors European
* 1st Place - International Argentine Cup
* 1st Place - California State Games
* 1st Place - West Coasts Tournament
* 1st Place - Golden State Tournament
* 1st Place - Brazilian University Championship
* 3rd Place - Olympic Selective Rio 2016
* 5x State Champion [Rio de Janeiro]
* 8x State Champion [Maceio]